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Ashleigh Gleeson
National Health Editor

It’s time to do better when it comes to the mental health of young people.

That’s why we have launched our Can We Talk? campaign in partnership with Medibank.

Over the past week we’ve called for increased government funding for national and state support systems, which are overwhelmed.

We've also revealed startling figures, which show how many Australians are struggling.

Importantly, this campaign is a conversation starter to help families, friends, colleagues and peer groups be open with each other about their mental health.

Meanwhile we have also now released the second part of our six-week Get Your Body Right series which, in addition to a new workout, reveals a big mistake people are making when doing upper body exercises.

See below for what Anthony Dowsley, who is preparing for an upcoming trek to Machu Picchu, had to say about the first week (which focused on legs).

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Was it Rod Stewart who sang the first squat is the deepest?

I may have that lyric a little wrong, but my first week of the Get Your Body Right series took me places I haven’t been for a long time.

I hate leg exercises almost as much as core exercises like sit-ups.

But I know the benefits of working to strengthen my legs will be critical in getting me fit enough to trek the Inca Trail, which winds through the Andes to one of the world’s great sights, Machu Picchu.

So for the past week I’ve been doing squats, calf raises, leg swings, step-ups, ankle rolls and the ever painful wall sit.

The pay-off?

A much easier climb at another Melbourne go-to destination – the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk, also known as the 1000 Steps.

Next up ...

The third part of the series will be focused on core.

Have a great week.

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Can We Talk? coverage
Record pleas for help as Aussies battle stress, burnout
One in three Aussies are battling regularly feeling drained and burnt out. This is just one of the findings of alarming new research, as experts call for action to fix the “overwhe...
‘Requires repetition’: How to raise a resilient child
Psychologist Maria Ruberto has not seen the resilience levels of children so low in her 31-year career. She is warning that we risk raising a generation with an array of mental and...
Why millennials are still living with their parents
Natalie Maciak is 35, studying her third degree, and lives at home with her parents. She is one of many millennials struggling to get ahead. This is why the generation is battling.

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In focus

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I want people to look at someone like myself, who potentially does come across as quite strong and resilient, and be aware that I struggle too.

Read how Shayna Jack is putting her mental health first

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Three stories to read today
What every parent needs to know after I lost my teen daughter
The mum of a 14-year-old Queensland girl who took her own life has bravely spoken about the alarming way teenagers discuss mental illness.
‘Breaking point’: Psychedelics trial part of major mental health investment
Medibank will pump an extra $50m into mental health over the next five years, with the funding to support a raft of initiatives including an innovative trial involving psychedelics...
From trolls to triumph: How baby changed AFLW star’s life
After a harrowing experience with body shamers, AFLW star Maddy Prespakis says becoming a parent figure to Sophie Cachia’s baby has put things in perspective.

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Mental health matters

#1 - Simple ways to talk to your teen - A psychologist has detailed how to have a conversation with your son or daughter, as new research reveals families are struggling to discuss mental health.

#2 - Biggest reasons for stress in our major cities - See which state is the most stressed in the nation and which one is feeling most strained from work pressures.

#3 - How to navigate money worries - This is how you can tackle financial anxiety, which is a leading cause of poor mental wellbeing for Aussies.

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More from our expert columnist

Dr Raja Chaganti on patients using alternative therapies

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Medical oncologist Dr Raja Chaganti reveals why and when he's OK with alternative therapies for cancer patients.

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Train your Brain
At which Olympic Games did Usain Bolt win his first gold medal?
The Chase Australia’s official Shark, Brydon Coverdale, has created a new daily quiz challenge. Test yourself.

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What we're cooking

Cauliflower bake

Serves 7 | Cheap | 8 ingredients

This decadent recipe uses the whole cauliflower– leaves, stems, the lot. The leaves and stems are fibrous, but sauté them into submission and they will give you great texture and flavour.

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Read the method and ingredients needed to whip this up yourself, here.

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